refinishing?

[Shooterguy]

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I have inherited an M2 with deep scratches, mostly on the top plate. I have a very small amount of experience polishing metal surfaces, and I'm wondering if I could restore the finish. The problem is, if I really wanted it to look great, I'd have to remove the plate, do my sanding and buffing, and then have it re-coated. It is silver, not black, so I'd want to re-mark the logo and serial number as well, should that be affected by painting/refinishing. (Which I'm sure it would.) So here are my questions: 

Where could I find out the exact types of finishes that silver M2s were done with? How were the name and serial number marked? is that mechanical engraving and then enamel paint applied in the grooves? It seems too smooth to be mechanical engraving, especially considering the time frame. 

Anyone have any ideas how I might learn the details of how said finishing and logo marking were done? I know this seems utterly crazy...believe me.

Thanks!

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[james.liam]

No!!! 
if it works, just use it   

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Edited December 11, 2019 by james.liam

[frame-it]

2 hours ago, Shooterguy said:

I have inherited an M2 with deep scratches, mostly on the top plate. I have a very small amount of experience polishing metal surfaces, and I'm wondering if I could restore the finish. The problem is, if I really wanted it to look great, I'd have to remove the plate, do my sanding and buffing, and then have it re-coated. It is silver, not black, so I'd want to re-mark the logo and serial number as well, should that be affected by painting/refinishing. (Which I'm sure it would.) So here are my questions: 

Where could I find out the exact types of finishes that silver M2s were done with? How were the name and serial number marked? is that mechanical engraving and then enamel paint applied in the grooves? It seems too smooth to be mechanical engraving, especially considering the time frame. 

Anyone have any ideas how I might learn the details of how said finishing and logo marking were done? I know this seems utterly crazy...believe me.

Thanks!

email these guys http://www.kantocamera.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kantocamera/

Edited December 12, 2019 by frame-it

[250swb]

9 hours ago, Shooterguy said:

I have inherited an M2 with deep scratches, mostly on the top plate. I have a very small amount of experience polishing metal surfaces, and I'm wondering if I could restore the finish. The problem is, if I really wanted it to look great, I'd have to remove the plate, do my sanding and buffing, and then have it re-coated.

You've already started with the wrong idea. Sure you can get home 'de-plating' kits that will remove the chrome and the nickel coatings, but with scratches into the brass you should fill the scratch instead of sanding the top plate which reduces it's thickness and removes markings. So just don't do it, it's not a job for a beginning amateur.

[RayD28]

13 hours ago, Shooterguy said:

I have inherited an M2 with deep scratches, mostly on the top plate. I have a very small amount of experience polishing metal surfaces, and I'm wondering if I could restore the finish. The problem is, if I really wanted it to look great, I'd have to remove the plate, do my sanding and buffing, and then have it re-coated. It is silver, not black, so I'd want to re-mark the logo and serial number as well, should that be affected by painting/refinishing. (Which I'm sure it would.) So here are my questions: 

Where could I find out the exact types of finishes that silver M2s were done with? How were the name and serial number marked? is that mechanical engraving and then enamel paint applied in the grooves? It seems too smooth to be mechanical engraving, especially considering the time frame. 

Anyone have any ideas how I might learn the details of how said finishing and logo marking were done? I know this seems utterly crazy...believe me.

Thanks!

I'm curious to know a couple of things.  First is the extent of scratches.  Would you mind posting a photo?  Second, do you know how the scratches came about?  There might be an interesting story behind the scratches, especially since you inherited it.  

[jc_braconi]

Hello,

It will be less expensive and more reliable to contact any Leica dealer and ask for Leica to change the top of the camera
Usually they re engrave the right serial number on it.